The Washington County Board of Supervisors reviewed the agreement with Keokuk County on the sharing of a County Engineer during their regular meeting yesterday. Keokuk County Attorney John Schroeder says they are still searching for a new engineer and are getting closer to filling the vacancy. He says it may be 18 months before they actually employ an engineer.

Schroeder says that time frame would cover time for the new employee to receive proper testing and certification if needed. He says the testing is only available twice a year in May and October.

Schroeder adds if they should hire someone who does not have the training, they would still use Washington County Engineer David Patterson to formally sign on documents that require a licensed engineer. He notes over time, Patterson’s time would not be needed as much during the week as the new person learns more about the job.